William "Bill" Samuel Birge Iii

William Samuel Birge III, "Bill as we knew him", was born to William S. Birge Jr. and Beula Mae Birge in Travis County, Texas (Austin) on May 1, 1943.  He was called home by his loving Savior on Friday, May 31, 2024 at the age of 81. Graveside Services will be 2:00 PM Thursday June 6, 2024 at Llano Cemetery, east gardens. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 7:00 PM on Wednesday June 5, 2024 at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Cox-Rowley Funeral Home.

Bill has two siblings, Carol Mae and John E.  Bill never married and didn't have any children but in early years he was close to his niece and nephews: Charles, Joanna, Don & Andrew Migot.

Bill dedicated his life to being a Christian and was kind to everyone.  When he was 19 he joined the US Marine Corp. He remained in the Marines until Oct. 31, 1983, serving 20 years and 8 months. During his enlistment he served in Vietnam; Twenty nine Palms, Calif.; Redstone Arsenal, Alabama; Quantico, Va.; Washington D.C.; Yuma, Arizona.  He received numerous Good Conduct medals, Expert Marksman Rifle & Pistol Badges, and National Defense Service Medals.  He was an Aviation Radar Technician, Electrical Engineer, Police Academy Instructor, Ammunition Technician, Systems Maintenance Technician and Drill Instructor of which he was most proud.

After retiring from the Marines he moved to Amarillo and became immersed into making Amarillo a better place to live for all of us.  He joined Amarillo Palo Duro AMBUCS and remained a member until he passed away.  AMBUCS became a big part of his life, from friends to activities to raising funds to giving away Amtrykes and Scholarships, as

well as performing Community Services.  He held every office in his local chapter and was part of the "nuts and bolts" that has held the club together to become 100 years old.

Bill is survived by special friends; Lloyd & Diane Seitz and Betty & George Schmidt. He had a very Special Caregiver; Dawn Star. He had a multitude of friends and most of all he loved the Lord.

Written by Diane Seitz, his trusted guardian